Librarian Support for Student Knowledge Synthesis Projects in Nursing: Basic Searching Skills

Knowledge synthesis requires comprehensive searching of multiple databases. Before consulting with a librarian, begin by making sure your basic searching skills are solid, including knowing how to:

• Break up a research question into separate concepts
• Identify synonyms for your concepts
• Define "subject terms” and how they are different from keywords
• Find subject terms in at least one library database
• Use Boolean operators appropriately (AND, OR)
• Carry out a multi-line search in at least one library database (e.g., MEDLINE, CINAHL)

Check out the video series Librarian Orientation and Searching Skills, modules 3-7 below for a review of these skills.